How to spot a scam: the warning signs to watch for
In short. Most scams share the same red flags: you are contacted unexpectedly, pushed to act quickly, asked to move money to a 'safe account' or pay an upfront fee, or asked for passwords, PINs or one-time codes. Stop, take time, and verify using contact details you find yourself — never those given to you.
Scams are designed to make you act before you think. Whether by phone, text, email or social media, fraudsters use urgency, fear and the appearance of authority to rush you into a decision. Learning the warning signs is the single best protection, because the same red flags appear across almost every type of fraud.
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The classic warning signs
- You are contacted out of the blue — a call, text, email or message you were not expecting
- You are pressured to act immediately, or threatened with arrest, fines or losing access to an account
- You are asked to move money to a 'safe' or 'holding' account, or to pay an upfront fee to release a prize, refund or loan
- You are asked for passwords, PINs, full card details or a one-time passcode
- An offer looks too good to be true — guaranteed high returns with no risk
- You are asked to keep it secret or not to tell your bank
Simple checks that stop most scams
Stop and take your time. Genuine banks, HMRC and the police will never ask you to move money to a safe account, pay by gift card or voucher, or share a one-time passcode.
Verify independently. Hang up and call the organisation back using a number from its official website, your card or a statement — never a number given to you in the message. Wait a few minutes before calling, as scammers can stay on the line.
Check before you invest. Use the FCA Register and ScamSmart to confirm a firm is authorised, and be wary of unexpected investment 'opportunities' on social media.
FAQ
How can I tell if a text or email is a scam?
Look for unexpected contact, urgency, spelling errors, generic greetings and links to unfamiliar web addresses. Do not click links — go to the organisation's website directly. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and emails to [email protected].
Will my bank ever ask me to move money to a safe account?
No. A genuine bank will never ask you to move money to a 'safe account' or to withdraw cash and hand it over. That request is always a scam.
What is a one-time passcode and why shouldn't I share it?
It is a single-use code your bank sends to confirm it is really you. Sharing it lets a fraudster authorise payments or take over your account, so never read it out to anyone, even someone claiming to be your bank.